PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Prior thalidomide allowed At least 14 days since prior immunologic agents No concurrent immunologic agents Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 3 weeks since prior cytotoxic chemotherapy No other concurrent cytotoxic therapy Endocrine therapy: At least 14 days since prior high-dose corticosteroids No concurrent hormonal therapy No concurrent corticosteroids Radiotherapy: At least 3 weeks since prior radiotherapy and recovered No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: Not specified Other: No other concurrent cancer therapy Concurrent pamidronate or other bisphosphonates allowed